INA discusses Eight Files with Minister of Interior

 

 
 

Baghdad – INA

Interior Minister Abdul Amir Al-Shammari announced on Monday, the imminent launch of the (911) system dedicated to fire, rescue, and ambulance services. He pointed out that the use of mobile radars has reduced incidents during the Arbaeen pilgrimage by 70%.

Electronic Systems   

In an interview, a part of which will be published later by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), Al-Shammari stated, "The Ministry of Interior possesses fully secured communication systems that are monitored by the ministry's Cyber security Center, and we do not face any issues regarding communication that would compromise the integrity of electronic devices."

 He added that "the Ministry is working on establishing a rapid response system, the (911) system, which will be launched next month. It will serve as a unified number for all services such as firefighting, rescue, and ambulances. Additionally, there will be a center to receive citizens' calls via phone number (911) and through applications on smart phones, allowing citizens to easily request services that will be fully executed."
 
He noted that "the operations center at the Ministry of Interior will be equipped with advanced devices through a contract with an international company to build this system."
The Electronic Passport   

Regarding the electronic passport, Al-Shammari confirmed that "offices for the electronic passport have been opened in Baghdad and the provinces."

He explained that "the electronic passport is advanced, with a validity period of eight years. It can be issued within half an hour without any complications and is accepted at all electronic gates in all Iraqi airports."

 He also mentioned the "launch of the electronic visa, which can be accessed through the electronic application, allowing visitors from all over the world to apply for entry into Iraq. Every airport has an electronic visa office where any foreign visitor to Iraq can obtain a visa, which will be affixed to their passport upon arrival."

He highlighted that "the regular passport will remain valid during this period, and citizens can possess either the regular or electronic passport; however, over time, all offices will transition to electronic passport offices."

He affirmed that "we currently have ten offices issuing regular passports, but they will gradually shift to electronic issuance."
He further explained that "the cost of issuing an electronic passport is 91,000 dinars, and we are negotiating with the investing company to reduce the fees."

 

 
Traffic System 
Concerning the traffic system, Al-Shammari stated that "the Ministry of Interior has a traffic system that includes smart traffic signals and radars, and we are proceeding with their implementation after having activated them on a trial basis in several intersections and highways in Baghdad."

He clarified that "Mobile radars were used during the Arbaeen pilgrimage, contributing to a substantial decrease in the number of accidents compared to last year, which experienced numerous traffic incidents during the pilgrimage. This year, accidents during the pilgrimage have decreased by 70% due to the deployment of mobile radars."

He continued, "We also have a traffic system related to vehicle registration and driving licenses. We have signed a contract with a German company to modernize this system, and citizens will notice a significant difference in the issuance process. In most cases, citizens will not need to visit registration offices as the process will be electronic, similar to practices in most countries worldwide."

 Additionally, he mentioned that "regarding fines, citizens can access the Ur platform to view the fines imposed on them."
 
The minister urged citizens to "pay fines as quickly as possible and not to delay, as this could result in increased penalties. Timely payment will also grant citizens a reduction in the fine amount."
 

 

Tribal Violence 
Regarding what is known as "tribal violence," the minister explained that "tribal violence has significantly decreased following the implementation of measures in cooperation with the Supreme Judicial Council. Penalties have been intensified, and those accused have been referred under Article 4 Anti-Terrorism law. However, we strive for complete eradication of this issue."
 He announced efforts with the Supreme Judicial Council to impose financial penalties on those who discharge firearms.
 
 
Al-Batawin Operation

Concerning Operation "Al-Batawin," Al-Shammari noted that “Al-Batawin area was a haven for gangs involved in kidnapping, forgery, human trafficking, organ trade, and drug trafficking. The area has been completely cleared of these gangs, and now citizens can roam freely in Al-Batawin, with Rusafa police maintaining security in the area."
He confirmed that "after eliminating these hotspots, there has been a noticeable reduction in crime rates, particularly in the Rusafa district, and we are prepared to address other areas as necessary."

Police Automation  

Regarding automation, he clarified that "in early October, the full automation of the police system will be launched through network connectivity, allowing police leaders and the police agency to access all investigative documents and complaints, ensuring that no cases are hidden."
 He asserted that "this system will reduce corruption and manipulation of investigative documents, enabling judges to access these records comprehensively."
 
The International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL)

With respect to the activities of "Interpol," the minister stated that "we have an Interpol police presence in Iraq, which is engaged in significant activities and maintains communication with the International Police Organization. It is also in contact with neighbouring countries, working continuously to repatriate fugitives from Iraq."